Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65

Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died

He was 65 and had been battling cancer since June of this year. He served as premier from 2017 to 2022. 

Horgan's family said he died peacefully at Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital on Tuesday morning.

"Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, John Horgan," a statement from the family said.

"He was surrounded by family, friends, and love in his final days. (His wife) Ellie and the rest of John's family ask for privacy during this time of mourning. 'Live Long and Prosper.'"

The inclusion of the famous quote from Spock was a nod to Horgan's love of Star Trek.

Premier David Eby spoke about his predecessor's death Tuesday, with teary eyes and an at-times shaky voice.

"John was a remarkable man, both in the history of this province and just who he was as a person. His legacy for British Columbia is profound," Eby said.

Among the political accomplishments Eby noted were Horgan's passing of provincial legislation enshrining the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and bringing the B.C. NDP back from the "wilderness" after being named the party leader in 2014. 

But Horgan's style, approach and character will also be his legacy, Eby said. 

"I think for many British Columbians, he made them think differently about politics and about politicians. He was accessible, he was fun and funny. He was called 'Premier Dad' – and rightly so," Eby said.

"He was an inspiration to me. He had advice when I needed it. He conducted himself with the utmost and integrity, and he brought a spirit of fun to his work that was infectious."

Eby also offered condolences to Horgan's wife of 45 years and his two sons, and said there will be opportunities for members of the public to do the same.

"Their grief is profound, and our hearts go out to them," he said.

The flag at the legislature was lowered to half-mast and a public memorial will be planned, Eby added.

Horgan led the B.C. NDP to government for the first time in 16 years when he became premier after the 2017 election with the support of the B.C. Greens. He followed that up by leading the party to a majority government in a snap election called in October 2020.

He stepped down in 2022, saying his energy was flagging.

"This has been the thrill of my life to be the premier of British Columbia," he said at the time.

Horgan was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in June of this year following a routine medical appointment in Berlin, where he was serving as Canada's ambassador to Germany.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement, said he received the news of Horgan's death with "great sadness." Trudeau also acknowledged that Horgan led the province during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as through devastating wildfires and catastrophic flooding.

“John was a firm believer in the ideals of public service. He saw it as a privilege, as a way to help others and make our country better. At every opportunity he was given, he served Canadians with a tenacity, passion, and dedication that very few could match," Trudeau said.

“John embodied kindness and courage. He was a fighter. He will be celebrated for his leadership and the progress he made on so many important issues. Above all, we will remember how John made us feel. His warmth. His positivity. His ability to connect with people irrespective of their politics or beliefs."